The Federal Government has flagged off the state-level cylinder distribution programme in Bayelsa State under the Decade of Gas National Grassroots LPG Penetration Programme (NGLPP)
The programme, coordinated by the NGLPP secretariat, aims to help five million households in Nigeria switch to cooking gas.
Speaking at the launch of the event in Yenagoa, the Minister of State, Petroleum (Gas), Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated that the event signifies a major step towards cleaner energy, healthier homes, and a more prosperous nation.
He disclosed that at the heart of the NGLPP is the determination to ensure that Nigeria’s abundant natural gas translates into dignity, safety, and improved well-being for Nigerians.
According to him, with the roll-out starting from Bayelsa State, the programme is now moving from regional implementation to a broader state-by-state deployment designed to reach households more directly and more effectively.
Ekpo pointed out that the programme stands as a practical expression of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, whose administration remains firmly committed to improving the quality of life of Nigerians through policies that advance energy access, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and inclusive national development.
The Minister, while noting that Nigeria is abundantly blessed with over 215 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, making it one of the foremost gas-endowed nations in the world, stressed that the Federal Government’s solemn responsibility is to ensure that the ‘’national endowment is converted into tangible benefits for our citizens’’
‘’This is the driving philosophy behind the Decade of Gas Initiative and our commitment to making natural gas the fuel that powers Nigeria’s industrialisation, energy security, and shared economic prosperity.
‘’The distribution of these LPG cylinders is, therefore, a deliberate investment in the health, welfare, and economic wellbeing of thousands of households across Bayelsa State. Every cylinder placed in the hands of a beneficiary represents one less household dependent on firewood, charcoal, or other harmful cooking fuels, and one more family empowered to embrace a cleaner, safer, and more efficient source of energy.
‘’Beyond the health benefits, this initiative makes a meaningful contribution to environmental protection. The adoption of LPG helps reduce deforestation, preserve our natural ecosystems, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action.’’
The Coordinating Director, Decade of Gas, ED Ubong, noted the NGLPP is providing Nigerians with the energy security they deserve.
While noting that it is an ambitious project which the President Bola Tinubu administration is determined to execute, added that 27,000 households in Bayelsa would benefit from the programme.
Ubong stated it was not a coincidence that the programme is starting in Bayelsa, which hosts the largest gas plant in Africa.
The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, lauded the Federal Government for the programme but urged it to ensure gas accessibility to Bayelsans in riverine areas.
(The Sun)